title: Cog - Just Visiting Part 1 and 2

URL: http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/p/np/view.php?id=81

magazine: Faster Louder

date: February 2004

writer: ncraig

Cog's debut EP Just Visiting Part 1 (JV1) was released in February 2002, following a relentless touring schedule which kick-started the band’s success. The second EP, titled Just Visiting Part 2(JV2) was released in September 2002, although both albums were recorded at the same time. Knowing this, and looking at the identical cover designs, it is hard to view them separately.

High production quality, together with rich, organic sounds make the two EP’s flow into one. Falling somewhere between the prog rock and nu metal stylings, Cog have an experimental nature, and their music has elements of the almighty Tool, yet with a uniqueness of it’s own. It is music that takes you on a journey and whispers stories in your ear. But the pace is controlled and it is Cog that decide when the wheels are in motion, and in which direction they are turning.

Hailing from Bondi, this three piece provide a giant wall of sound built with subtle melodies, elegant riffs and soaring vocals. From the first track on JV1, Moshiach, Cog present a rolling guitar groove which is layered with squawks, vocal samples and dark atmospheric brooding highlighting the use of electronics and technology in their sound. Cog’s use of varying time structures allow space for emotions such as pain and angst to emerge. But this is clearly not angry music. There is a positive message as stated on the CD covers. JV1 says, “What we are looking for here essentially are new resolutions…” Taken up in JV2, Cog comment, “Securing constant variation within the engaged…”.Resisting more regular song structure and pushing new territories, track three I think exemplifies these cover quotes. The song is unusually titled 1010011010, and begins with a slower pace and slightly off-beat timing. It strains forth like a determined beast and when just on the brink of rage, it calms awhile. Surging again, the beast races, slows and then pauses to observe the soft whirling of the surrounds, which is then over-ridden by a guitar riff strumming a fast,beating pulse.The last track on JV1, Holes, is chaotic and relentless with siren-like sounds and reverberations on the lyrics. The drums smash and guitars explode and JV1 comes to a close.

Just Visiting Part 2 takes over from here opening with the intense and progressive Paris Texas – an apocalyptic sounding track with rolling rhythms and a crashing climax. The song debuted at number 4 on the Hard Rock and Nu Metal ARIA charts, and number 90 on the national mainstream charts at the time of it’s release.

Following on, Stretch shows the skilful pounding talents of drummer Lucius Borich and the song demonstrates the frenzied yet controlled manner that the band holds. The Truth and Other Lies, sees the inclusion of operatic vocals by Carla Werner, adding depth to the track and showing that Cog are capable of making serenely beautiful music. This is proved again in Pseudo where the song opens on a lighter edge, and Flynn’s vocal chords stretch to a higher range to fit with the perhaps slightly oriental tone.

Ending with the title track, Just Visiting, Cog blend ambient chords with distortion, spoken word samples and crashing cymbals of which the simple loop in the beginning is the contemplative sounds that you hear when perusing their website. Both EP’s are powerful and dynamic, and well worth a visit.